AFC Champions League Elite - Preview: Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) v Shanghai Port FC (CHN)

Hiroshima: Sanfrecce Hiroshima will aim to inflict more pain on Shanghai Port FC when the sides clash in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 on Tuesday.

Japan's Sanfrecce kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win against Melbourne City FC while Shanghai Port suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat against Vissel Kobe.

While this will be the first time the sides meet, Sanfrecce have won just two of their 10 games against opponents from China PR in the competition (D3 L5).

The away win against Melbourne City, however, was a morale booster and with their fans behind them, Sanfrecce will be confident of taking the points.

Shanghai Port will brace themselves for another tough match, with the Chinese Super League champions having been second best against Vissel Kobe despite playing at home.

They are currently on a five-game losing streak in the AFC Champions League Elite, last registering a win in November 2024 (3-1 v Ulsan HD). In fact, they have lost each of their last seven games in the competition against opponents from Japan.

Shanghai Port's confidence, however, would have been boosted by their 3-2 win over Wuhan Three Towns on Friday, with the victory seeing them open a two-point lead at the top of the Chinese Super League.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) v Shanghai Port FC
Venue: Hiroshima Soccer Stadium (Hiroshima)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+9)

Preview: Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) v Shanghai Port FC (CHN)

Preview: Al Ittihad Club (KSA) v Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)

Preview: Al Sadd SC (QAT) v Sharjah FC (UAE)

Preview: Chengdu Rongcheng FC (CHN) v Gangwon FC (KOR)

Preview: Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) v FC Machida Zelvia (JPN)

Preview: FC Seoul (KOR) v Buriram United (THA)